Puketirini management plan - Waikato District Council

4.0 ISSUESSeveral issues were identified as needing to be addressed through management plan objectives and policies for Puketirini:4.1 Lake water qualityEnsuring lake water remains of high quality is of paramount importance and requires limiting the level of nutrientsflowing into the lake. Nutrient inflows, particularly those due to non-source point run-off from land use within the lake’scatchment area, need to be minimised. A high nutrient level will increase the level of algae within the lake, potentiallydecreasing the suitability of the lake for contact recreational activities.Pest fish, such as koi carp (Cyprinus carpio), are already within the lake. Koi carp were originally introduced into NewZealand as an ornamental fish; however, have become a significant pest within many New Zealand lakes. Koi carp stir uplake sediment particles, due to their feeding habits, destroying lake vegetation and releasing nutrients into the water. Koicarp, and other pest fish, are identified as animal pests under Environment Waikato’s Regional Pest Management Strategyand these species need to be controlled.4.2 Competition for use of lakeA high number of user groups have expressed their interest in participating in on-water recreational activities. Lake userswere identified as using the lake for the following activities: motorised casual activities, motorised events, non-motorisedcasual activities, and non-motorised events. There is particular competition for use of the lake between motorised andnon-motorised watercraft user groups. There is also the need to balance the number of events held on the lake withgeneral community use. The high competition for use of the lake means there is the need for careful planning to ensurethere is an optimal blend of recreational uses, such as balancing waka ama, yachting, water skiing and other identified lakeuses.4.3 Effect of recreational activities on environmentalqualityRecreational use of Puketirini area may impact on park environs. For example, boat use may result in habitat disturbance.Recreational use of Puketirini will need to be balanced against environmental quality objectives and policies.4.4 SafetyCommunity members have expressed safety concerns for areas around Puketirini where passive recreational activitiestake place. Safety is particularly a concern for walking and running around Puketirini, where there are areas of vegetationthat allow for seclusion around some areas of the lake. Safety issues also need to be considered when developingfacilities. Unauthorised motor biking around Puketirini is also a cause for concern for walkers and runners.Navigation safety is an issue that needs to be considered when determining lake uses and developing a schedule for lakeactivities and events. Additionally, there is deep water close to the lakeshore that may pose a safety issue for lake users.There have been a number of fires lit upon dry vegetation surrounding the park. The Huntly Fire Brigade has been calledto Puketirini on several occasions.Vandalism of Puketirini facilities is an issue that needs to be weighed when considering the development of facilities.